Colors, preservatives, antioxidants...: the latest news on food additives

Food additives

It is a natural or synthetic substance added to foods to improve their preservation, color or taste. They have no nutritional value and are authorized if they pose no risk to the consumer and if their technological effect is demonstrated.

In the European Union (EU), they must be labeled on the packaging and can be designated by name or by a code composed of the letter E, for Europe, and three digits, the SIN (International Numbering System).

This classification allows the consumer to understand the properties for which an additive is used.

A number starting with:

• 1 indicates a coloring agent;
• 2, a preservative;
• 3, an antioxidant...

The list can be found on the Codex Alimentarius which brings together all international food standards.

The use of food additives is governed by strict regulations concerning the quantity and the food products in which they may be used.

At European level, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is responsible for monitoring.